A/N: Holy wow! All you favoriters and followers are making my day! Just for that I won't make you wait and I'll give you this chapter as a thank you =^^=. Xx!
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As gloomy as the Manor had presented itself, the hearty helping of snow and delicate, ornate decorations that littered the yard and house had improved the otherwise dark nature of the place. Hermione had clung tightly to his arm upon seeing it, slowing their walk to the front gate.
"I wasn't aware we were coming here." She whispered, sounding troubled. Severus stopped, letting his eyes roam over the snow covered turrets and the high rooftops.
"I know. It's not exactly Buckingham Palace." He joked, then fell silent as he noticed the worry in her eyes.
"I don't have a good memory of this place." She explained. Severus frowned. She continued. "We were quite tortured here."
"We don't have to go in." Severus offered, knowing that in doing so would bring him strife; they were expected, him especially, and not showing would be considered disrespectful even if Lucius was his best friend. "Why not make a good memory?" He asked. "They know of your attendance, and you have my word that no harm will come to you."
Hermione rocked on her feet, her chin beginning to chatter. It was chilly, but Severus knew that was only part of it. He adjusted her arm snugly into his.
"Why don't we just go in and make a presence. If you don't want to stay, we'll leave."
"You'll not leave my side?" Hermione asked, vacillating between him and the Manor. Severus blinked kindly at her.
"Stuck together like glue."
Severus led the way through a gate that swung open upon their arrival. High shrubbery guided them down a straight path. Lights twinkled softly from inside the bush, escorting them over the grounds.
"If it's any comfort, those in attendance have no ties to the past. Besides the Malfoy's and myself, you'll be greeted by quite a lively bunch." His voice was low, as calming as he could make it hoping her grip on his arm would lessen. "Sometimes even I have to excuse myself from the overload of exuberance."
"Really now?" Hermione was still shaking as they ventured up the stairs to the front doors.
"Even us Dark Wizards enjoy a good time. I've a feeling you won't be disappointed."
The front doors opened, revealing a grandeur that was kept well hidden from the outside. Straight ahead of them, a set of circular stairs drew their attention first. Dark oak steps curved gently to a second foyer they found themselves standing in had been polished and dusted that it glowed. Silver and chrome accents adorned the vaulted ceilings and walls, black leather furniture bid for their attention, calling out for them to relax. Severus led Hermione past a couple of taxidermy Saber Tooth Tigers, caught in a leap so real and lifelike Hermione gasped when she noticed them. They were guarding the entrance of the ball room.
Inside the ballroom, people had already gathered in their own little groups, paying them no attention as they entered. Severus had located Lucius and Narcissa near the fireplace, chatting with a round man in a top hat. Severus knew him only as Miles the Mystic: a Seer that Lucius paid weekly to give them readings. He was a strange man, always trying to gain business from Severus, to which he'd always decline.
"Severus!" Lucius interrupted Miles in greeting as they arrived, clapping a hand upon his shoulder. "It's good of you to show up, and with a...date...nonetheless."
Severus narrowed his eyes at Lucius' choice of words.
"Yes. Miss Granger, you're already familiar with Lucius, Narcissa. May I introduce you to Miles. Miles, Hermione Granger." Severus stepped aside, revealing the robust man with a mustache that made him resemble a walrus. Miles shoved his hand out forcibly, taking Hermione's hand into his own and shook it so hard it made her tremble. She smiled, stifling a laugh and looked worriedly to Severus who only returned it with a smile of his own.
"Miss Granger. Such a pleasure. Such a pleasure. I had a feeling someone would be along tonight that would just light up the room with her presence." He wheezed, Hermione retained her hand, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to form words. Lucius, thankfully, saved her sputtering.
"Miss Granger attended Hogwarts with Draco. She's been called the brightest witch of her time and we are honored to have her as a guest in our home."
Hermione stared at Lucius as if he had grown an extra head. Miles seemed impressed.
"I knew it, I just knew it. There's a radiance about you, Miss Granger. Indeed there is!" He wheezed again.
Severus leaned close to Hermione. "He's extravagant, loopy, but harmless." He whispered to her. Hermione gave her agreement in the form of a chortle.
"Tell me, Granger. What have you been up to as of late?" Lucius asked. Severus worried that somewhere along the line, he'd forget his manners.
"I've taken over teaching Transfiguration at Hogwarts." She answered, still unsure of his deferential attitude.
"You've some shoes to fill, after McGonagal teaching that class for so long."
"Miss Granger has already made quite an impression." Severus added before much could be said to ruin her reputation. Lucius appeared impressed.
"Is this a long term goal, or are you just filling in for now?" He asked.
"I haven't decided yet. It beats being the 'go-for' at the Ministry, however."
At this, Lucius bellowed loudly.
"Indeed it is. What business had you there?"
"I became an intern. Originally planned on working with the Magical Creatures Department, then found interest in the magical law."
"A great Auror you would have made." Lucius nodded his head to her. Hermione may have been blind to it, but Severus could feel a fire begin to burn in him.
"No, not an Auror, though the training would have to be done. I was going for an attorney position. Start my own firm."
"Really now? How exciting."
Severus had been ready to jump in and excuse the both of them to mingle elsewhere. Anything that had the Ministry attached to it was a sure way to set Lucius off. Narcissa beat him to it.
"May I take your coat?" Narcissa asked, and Hermione backed away from her as she reached for it.
"I'd prefer to hang onto it if it's not a problem."
Narcissa nodded politely, drawing an arm around her shoulder and pulled her away. Severus sent her a silent thank you.
"Come, let's let the guys have a moment."
Hermione sent Severus a look, he nodded his approval, assuring her it was alright, although knowing she would have preferred him to protest the action. He watched Narcissa lead Hermione to a group of women only a few yards away before turning his attention back to Lucius and Miles.
"I can hear the bells already, dear Severus." Lucius poked fun.
"Oh? Wedding bells? Congratulations!" Miles exclaimed. Severus jeered. "I'm positive the two of you will be exceptionally happy."
Severus was chuckling. "You're certain of that?" He asked, not able to resist the sarcasm and Miles nodded none the wiser to the actual situation. Severus couldn't understand how Lucius could waste so much money on such a flub. The Seer, as he so called himself, was as trustworthy as Lockhart. He glanced to Hermione, breathing easier as she seemed to be chatting comfortably with Anna Grady, a witch his age that had spent the summers at her grandfathers, a few houses down. They knew each other only by the time spent chumming around the Manor together during their adolescence, never being friendly enough to keep in touch otherwise.
"-home business, eh?" Miles had punched his arm, drawing his attention back into the circle. Severus lifted the corners of his mouth, raising his eyebrows as he fought to collect the direction of the conversation, obviously now on his line of work.
"Yes, it's surprisingly freeing." Severus said.
"There's nothing like working for yourself, is there? You know I can give you a free reading, guide you into choices that will open up bigger opportunities." Miles looked at him hopefully, his eyes shining as brightly as a newly printed Galleon.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to pass." Severus was quick to decline, not even curious as to what kind of scam he'd be offered. "I'm quite booked." Was his excuse. The gleam disappeared from his eyes just as fast as it appeared, and a cold shoulder was offered in its wake as Miles suddenly stated that he recognized a familiar face across the room. He watched him leave, taking the opportunity to look back at Hermione. He searched the group for her, growing anxious as she had seemed to disappear, but found her shortly being twirled around by a lad in a crimson suit and blonde hair that was pulled into a tight tail at the nape of his neck. A twinge of jealousy pinged in him, but he shook it off.
"You haven't frightened her away yet. That's a good sign." Lucius was watching her too. "I have to admit, you do make a charming couple. I actually see a glimpse of happiness in your despondent face. She compliments you nicely."
"What are you doing?" Severus asked, growing suspicious. "You're too welcoming of this. What have you planned?"
Lucius looked offended.
"Can't I express my feelings?" He clicked his tongue. "As I've said before, I want to see you with a wife even if it means I have to tolerate a Mudblo-". He stopped himself. Severus became stone faced, gave a curt nod and excused himself before Lucius could speak himself into a mistake.